How do you import and display PDF files using Content Manager for iSeries and the IBM Content Manager Client?

Technote (FAQ)

Question

I'd like to be able to import and then display PDF files on my Content Manager for iSeries system using the Content Manager Client. Is there a way to do this?

Answer

It is possible to import and display non-image files, such as PDF, in the CM Client by creating a new content class for the document and doing a little bit of setup in the Client. There are three tasks you must complete:

The EKD0318 file has a CCTYPE field, which always has a value of "I", a CCVAL field, which has a value of 4096 or higher, a CCNAME field, which is the name you will see when importing this file type into the CM Client, and a CCDESC field, which is your description of this file type.

In the IBM® Content Manager Client, choose Options > Preferences > Alternate Viewers and define what to do when these document types are detected.

Click Add to define the path for each new content class. Specify the appropriate file extension for the type of document. For example:

OLE Linking displays a copy of the document in the Client without having the external program's controls become active.

OLE Embedding causes the alternate viewer's control panels to become the active interface inside the Client window.

Launching causes a defined application to appear in a viewer that opens separately from the Client application. If you select this option, you must provide the command line information that describes how this program can be launched, including the path and executable file name.

Note: This step must be performed for each CM for iSeries server connection, if applicable. In addition, the Alternate Viewer setup is only applicable to the current user on the PC. If there are multiple users, this needs to be done for each and every Windows Content Manager for iSeries user.

Importing the files Import the document using the correct content class on the import screen. For example:

The users who would like to manually import PDF files one at a time need to have the ability to import documents, Check the users' privilege setting for the appropriate index class for the Import function, as shown in blue below:
Display Privilege Set